AP R&B Minister says drone technology reduces difficulties for farmers

R&B Minister Janardhan Reddy, B.C., inspected agricultural equipment operated by drone technology during an interaction with Kovelakuntla in Nandyal district on Monday.

Highways and Buildings Minister (R&B) BC Janardhan Reddy on Monday highlighted the revolutionary role of drone technology in agriculture, which reduces farmers’ difficulties and makes the industry financially viable.

Mr Janardhan Reddy is interacting with farmers after distributing farmers’ equipment to beneficiaries in Kovelakuntla in Nandyal district. He said Andhra Pradesh was the first state in the country to establish a state specializing in developing drone technology.

“We have developed a 300-acre drone hub in Orvakal in the region. The concept was envisioned by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who hopes to develop an action plan for the UAV Technology Centre in the Kurnur region, thanks to the proximity of the airport,” the minister said.

During the interaction, farmers talked about their positive experiences in drone technology involving chemicals and fertilizers, which significantly reduced labor costs.

Farmer Janardhan said that while one liter of pesticide was previously required per acre, consumption fell by 40% due to drone technology. Another farmer told the minister that drones could cover 10 acres in just three hours, in addition to ensuring perfect and uniform application of pesticides.

Later, when addressing the media, the minister blamed the former YS Jangan Mohan Reddy government for neglecting agricultural mechanization and stopping the distribution of agricultural equipment to beneficiaries, thus disrupting the state’s farming.

The minister said that during the 2014-19 period, hundreds of tractors were provided to farmers under subsidies. He further claimed that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had distributed tractors to farmers during its regime. “The state government has ordered an investigation into the fiasco, prompting agricultural officials to investigate the matter and submit reports,” he said.